The Bright Minds Challenge initiative has a societal objective and was designed to help scientists around the world with bright solutions to overcome barriers they face in scaling up their ideas and solutions. The challenge is spearheaded by Royal DSM and a global coalition of companies and knowledge institutions active in solar energy and renewable energy storage. With the global Bright Minds Challenge the consortium identified and will help accelerate the scaling of solutions for 100% renewable energy – focusing on solar and energy storage. The consortium provides access to skills, resources and knowledge that are not available anywhere else. Ernesto Julio Calvo receives 500 hours of tailored expert support to fast-forward his solution, Richard Awuor from Cellulike receives 250 hours and Howard Weinstein from Solar Ear gets 125 hours support.

Rob van Leen, DSM Chief Innovation Officer and non-voting Chair of the jury commented: “Climate change is a real issue. We need to address it by working together across the world. Governments, companies, scientists, and NGOs, all have a role to play. No one can do this in isolation. We are proud that the Bright Minds Challenge was embraced by our partners and so many applicants around the world. Together we started a genuine movement for progress to make 100% renewable energy a reality. DSM will continue its efforts to address climate change and stay the course, together with other companies as well as with governments. Business can help delivering on the Paris Agreement ambitions with innovations that will generate jobs while ensuring low-carbon prosperity and future-proof our economies and companies. Ernesto Julio’s project Inquimae is just one great example of creating a brighter future through innovation.”

DSM and partners started the challenge in October 2016.Anyone with a solution relevant to renewable energy - focusing on solar and/or renewable energy storage - could submit an entry. In total 55 entries from 22 countries were submitted. DSM and partners involved the public in the selection of the semi-finalists: over 5,000 people voted on their favorite solution. The semi-finalists received concrete feedback and advice from an expert jury. During the Grand Final today, thethree finalists pitched their innovative idea to a high-profile jury of renowned global renewable energy and sustainability leaders.

The UN SDG17 encourages the revitalizing and enhancing of international partnerships that bring together different actors and to mobilise all available resources in support of global sustainable development.

Who holds the key to achieving the world’s transition to 100% renewable energy? Our partners discuss the need for cross-border and cross-sector collaboration and the impact it can have on reaching the UN SDGs faster.

The Bright Minds Challenge partners represent various sectors and unique expertise. We asked them to share their view on the key challenges for a global transition to 100% renewable energy and cutting the carbon off the grid.

Join a select group of leaders, pioneers, innovators, scientists and investors at Westergasfabriek - a former gas factory and now a 100% sustainable park - to get inspired, share your perspective, network with industry leaders, find new pathways to collaboration, and celebrate the Bright Minds Challenge!

The finalists are Cellulike (Tanzania) a pay as you go model for micro-grid solar power distribution systems, Inquimae (Argentina) a sustainable energy storage project from renewable energy sources (solar and wind) for remote electrification and Solar Ear (Brazil), focusing on solar powered hearing aids for the most impoverished communities across the globe.